Gossip: Barcelona keeping an eye on Estevao’s situation at Chelsea

Barcelona were heavily linked with Estevao Willian before the Brazilian made the move to Premier League side Chelsea from Palmeiras.

Yet it seems the Catalans are still thinking about the Brazilian as he struggles to impress new boss Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge.

An update from Diario Sport claims that Estevao is still liked at Barcelona, with Deco "closely following" his situation at Chelsea.

Estevao has played only 23 minutes for the Blues so far this season and is said to be growing frustrated with life in west London.

There's also a claim that there have been some disagreements between club and player, not least because "the footballer is not willing to continue gaining muscle mass, as he did in his first season in England because he fears that he may end up losing ability, which is his best offensive weapon, and speed."

There's no suggestion yet that Estevao wants out of Chelsea, but Deco is said to be keeping tabs on the situation.

Barca's sporting director has said previously that one of the reasons that Barcelona didn't go for Estevao was because "we have a player for the same position and with similar characteristics called Lamine Yamal."

Meanwhile, Estevao's agent pointed to the club's difficult financial situation as the reason the deal failed to materialize and added that the Brazilian still has "a special affection for Barcelona."